Hi
I am new to this forum and just starting up as a sort of part self sufficiency, As i have food allergies and have decided to try to rear keep chickens for their eggs as well as meat for the table. All birds will be totally free range. I have been advised that Wyandottes are the bird that best suits. If anyone can help Or advice please feel free. Thank you.

Wyandottes are a good choice Jan. That's why we have them, for meat and eggs. Hardy bird, but not a fantastic layer. They come in lots of different colours as a result of breeding to show and have lost a lot of their utility traits. I think the original colour was white when they came over from America. Just finding some that retain their utility qualities will be difficult. There is a breeder in Brittany, North France.

Thanks Chrismahon.
Is it Possible to get these birds? Considering how far away i am. I am however interested in trying to find out. Would you be able to advise re how i went about this. As if it is possible an unrelated Cockerel would make sense to get as well. Thanks so much. Jan

I saw the French breeder on a web site when searching for a replacement cockerel for us. As it happened a local breeder had one. I'd contact the breeders club. We were in the UK Laced Wyandotte Club (show strains), but perhaps they would know of Utility breeders? Finding good birds takes a lot of patience -just need to start asking around. There used to be a Utility breeders register in Practical Poultry.